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Global crop models underestimate how rice responds to extreme heat

A new study reveals that global crop models are less sensitive to heat extremes than real-world observations, particularly in the reproductive stages of rice. This discrepancy highlights the need for adaptation measures such as developing heat-tolerant varieties and adjusting planting dates to protect crops from extreme heat.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJul 29, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A mobile app predicts tomorrow’s vineyards

A mobile app developed by researchers from UNIGE and Agroscope helps winegrowers anticipate climate change impacts on their vineyards. The app uses climate analogues to identify regions with comparable climatic conditions in the future, allowing for the adoption of suitable viticultural practices.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAgricultural and Forest Meteorology·TypeNews article·DateJan 15, 2026

FAU Engineering awarded USDA grant for smart farming breakthrough

Florida Atlantic University's FAU Engineering has received a $827,533 USD grant from the USDA to develop an advanced edge/fog computing-based framework called FogAg. This project aims to revolutionize precision agriculture by enabling real-time sensing and analysis of crop growth and yield.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·DateSep 2, 2025

New digital tool provides satellite monitoring of crop health across US

A new digital tool provides free satellite monitoring and analysis of vegetation and crop health across Kansas and the nation. The Sentinel GreenReport Plus combines satellite imagery with climate datasets to provide users with insights into vegetation greenness, changes in land cover over time, and climate abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateMay 28, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Salton Sea receding at greater rate according to Loma Linda University study

Researchers at Loma Linda University found the Salton Sea's shoreline is retreating at an increasing rate, creating more polluted dust from agricultural runoff. The study forecasts parts of the North Shore will retreat up to 172 meters by 2041, posing health risks to nearby communities.

SourceLoma Linda University Adventist Health Sciences Center·JournalGeographies·DateNov 1, 2024

To save bees, scientists say focus on habitat first, then pesticides

A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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Land management and climate change affect ecosystems’ ability to provide multiple services simultaneously

A new study by German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig found that climate change impacts ecosystems' multifunctionality, affecting soil health and biodiversity. Sustainable land management practices can enhance ecological and economic benefits under current and future climate conditions.

SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2024

Biodiversity in the margins: Merging farmlands affects natural pest control

A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
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Using satellite data to enhance global food security

A new system using satellite data improves crop area and yield estimates, providing critical information for food security and sustainability planning. The WorldCereal project offers a cloud-based platform with diverse operational models to cater to various user communities.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Food·DateSep 21, 2023

Climate science is catching up to climate change with predictions that could improve proactive response

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Center have made significant advancements in predicting droughts and food shortages in the Eastern Horn of Africa, enabling agencies to take effective actions and provide humanitarian assistance. These early warnings have helped prevent devastating famines and saved millions of people f...

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalEarth s Future·DateJul 20, 2023

Study forecasts tile drainage and crop rotation changes for nitrogen loss

A new study from the University of Illinois forecasts how increased tile drainage and crop rotation will impact nitrogen loads in Midwestern watersheds. The research team developed a model that reveals the mechanism behind nitrate increases with flow, providing a starting point for reducing nutrient loss.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Research·DateMar 1, 2023

Artificial intelligence for soil health

Researchers are using AI to assess soil datasets and measurements, aiming to build an automated data-driven decision support system for European soils. The goal is to create an effective soil health certification system that can be used by farmers, landowners, and policy makers.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 26, 2023

Precise solar observations fed millions in ancient Mexico

The Aztecs tracked seasonal variations in weather by watching the sunrise against the peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Their agricultural system accurately fed a population of up to 3 million people before the Spanish arrival.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 12, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Sweet corn sweltering in summer heat spells uncertainty for corn lovers

Research reveals that sweet corn yields significantly decrease with extreme heat during flowering, especially in rainfed fields. Irrigation may help mitigate yield loss, but water scarcity could worsen climate-related challenges.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 22, 2022

Is organic farming always good for the environment? – Researchers create strategy to help decide

A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

How much spring nitrogen to apply? Pre-planting weather may provide a clue

Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalField Crops Research·DateJun 13, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study proposes new ways to estimate climate change impacts on agriculture

Researchers propose new statistical approaches to estimate climate change impacts on US agriculture, focusing on county-level analysis. They suggest that current grouping methods can lead to inaccurate results and recommend using C-Lasso, causal forest algorithm, and geographically weighted regressions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalClimatic Change·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 20, 2021

Crop farmers face new disease pressures as climate changes

Research suggests climate change will increase disease pressure in some regions and reduce it in others. Model projections indicate that rising temperatures will boost yields in temperate areas while having little effect on tropical regions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Climate Change·DateAug 5, 2021
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Model helps choose wind farm locations, predicts output

A team of Penn State researchers developed a model that can accurately predict wind farm energy production and location. The model provides a probability curve for wind production, allowing companies to make informed decisions about investing in wind farms.

SourcePenn State·JournalRenewable Energy·DateSep 24, 2019

Illinois research accurately predicts US end-of-season corn yield

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a new method to predict US end-of-season corn yields, outperforming the USDA's current estimations. The new system uses a combination of seasonal climate prediction and satellite data for more accurate predictions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateSep 27, 2018

New water management tool may help ease effects of drought

A new water management framework developed by NC State University researchers can help plan for droughts or excess rain, making efficient use of water resources. By using climate forecasts, water managers can reduce vulnerability to drought and increase benefits for poor farming communities.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateNov 12, 2009
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

USDA forecasts still accurate, but with room for improvement

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that USDA corn production forecasts were more accurate than private forecasts during most periods, but had limited impact on prices. Private market forecasts improved significantly since the mid-1980s, outperforming USDA forecasts in August and other months.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateMay 6, 2005